Enhancing the Career Development and School-to-Work Transition for Blind and Low Vision Youth.

Mann, James W.; Harley, Randall K.

This monograph serves as a guide to career development and transition planning for youths with blindness and low vision. An introductory chapter provides a sketch of the history of organized work for the blind in America as well as a set of narrative definitions of terms frequently used in the literature of special education, vocational education, and rehabilitation. The second chapter examines the career development literature related specifically to individuals with blindness and low vision. Chapter 3 looks at discrepancies and needs from an adult adjustment approach. The fourth chapter is devoted to the need for career development, career education, and school-to-work transition programs. Finally, chapter 5 offers recommendations for enhancing career development and transition programs for blind and low-vision youths. The monograph also provides a list of 70 references and an annotated bibliography citing 87 of the more significant writings since 1965 on such topics as higher education, mobility, multihandicapped individuals, and vocational education as these areas relate to career development. (Includes 75 references.) (JDD)